Nature can be extremely beneficial to our mental health. Simply being outside, surrounded by nature, has been shown to reduce feelings of stress, anger, and fear. We are genetically programmed to find plants, water, and natural elements engrossing, distracting from feelings of discomfort. Many hospital facilities are now adding indoor gardens, aquariums, and landscapes to incorporate nature into the setting as a stress reduction tool. Research has even shown artwork depicting natural scenes to be restorative. Even just walking in nature could lower the risk of depression. A study published in ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Science,’ found that participants who went on a 90-minute walk through a natural environment, reported lower levels of rumination and showed decreased neutral...
To be or not to be. To run outside or to run on the treadmill. This comes down to personal preference, but there are pros and cons to both. If your torn between taking to the gym or hitting the streets, this may help you decide. Running on a treadmill is easier on your joints, which can be preferable if you’re recovering from an injury. Treadmills are designed to absorb reaction forces, so will lessen the impact. However, you’ll build up more muscle when running outside as the treadmill belt is not assisting with leg turnover. The treadmill gives you the potential to multitask while you run, you can listen to a podcast or catch up on your favourite...
We all know running is good for us, but do we know why? Here are ten science-based benefits of running that you can whip out at your next pub quiz or trivia night. Running can help you cope with the stresses of day-to-day life, as it slows the release of stress hormones like cortisol, helping to avoid spikes in anxiety It can improve your memory. Running induces an increase of a certain protein, cathepsin-B, that promotes the production of new brain cells Running promotes a healthy immune system as it helps you to maintain a healthy body weight, reduces blood pressure and improves circulation It can help to strengthen your lungs. A study found that short durations of intense interval...
There are a lot of benefits to following a plant-based diet, but first let’s clear something up – eating plant based doesn’t mean you can’t eat meat. When we think of a plant-based diet we immediately think vegetarian or vegan, but what about flexitarian? The Flexitarian Diet was created by dietitian Dawn Jackson, and the clue is in the name, it’s flexible. Rather than eliminating certain foods it centres around the practice of eating mostly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The aim is to consume protein from plants instead of meat where possible, while still incorporating meat and animal products occasionally. It’s a less restrictive approach. Now, let’s get onto the benefits. A plant-based diet could help to lower blood...
It’s become pretty common practice to listen to music while running. A killer playlist can make the miles melt away and help you find your rhythm. So, is it better to run with music or without? The main upside of running with music is that it can make your run feel easier. When you’re focusing solely on your pace and technique it can lead to mental fatigue. The Public Library of Science published a study showing the negative impact mental fatigue has on physical performance. Music acts as a distraction. A study conducted by Keele University found that listening to your favourite music whilst running reduces exertion levels and brings on that feeling of ‘being in the zone.’ The external...
